Are you planning to visit Agra and you want to discover its beauty beyond the Taj Mahal? Keep reading our guide to find everything you need to know.
Where to stay?
We stayed at Ekaa Hotel in the heart of Agra. There are many different options you can choose on Booking or Airbnb.
Ekaa Hotel in Agra
We chose this hotel as it was near the main locations and offered vegan options as well as day tours.
Planning to visit Delhi? Read our Delhi itinerary here
Best time to visit Agra
Best time is during the winter months, from October to March, weather is pleasant and not too hot. We actually visited during May which is considered low season as it’s known as ”the hot summer” but it was fine for us.
Read about the best 15 locations in Jaipur here
How to get here?
We arrived from Jaipur by train which took around 4.30h. If you are choosing this options you can buy the tickets at the counter in the train station.
You can also fly from Jaipur to Agra although this will be more expensive.
If you are tight on time you can also choose a Day tour from Jaipur
How to move around Agra
Best way to move around the city is by Uber. Either by car or by tuk-tuk
It is the fastest way and it’s very affordable. Every journey will cost you less than 3$.
What to see in Agra
Here’s a list of our favorite locations
1. Taj Mahal
Obviously the number one in the list couldn’t be other than the Taj Mahal. We actually visited it during our first morning. We wanted to be the first ones so we arrived around 4-4.30 as gates open at 5.
Price for foreign tourists was around 25$ and we recommend booking it with a few weeks in advance to not miss your spot and avoid queues once you arrive there.
Tips: Drones, tripods, food are forbidden inside
Tips: It closes every Friday of the year
2. Agra Red Fort
It is very similar to the Red Fort in Delhi, if you are very tight on time we would skip this location.
Don’t miss these 15 hidden gems in Jaipur here
The red sandstone walls enclose a world of palaces, gardens and pavilions.
3. Akbar Tomb
A less known spot in the city, located almost 20-30 minutes away from the city.
The entry fee is typically around 50-100 Indian Rupees for Indian Citizens and around 500-600 for foreign tourists. Price may vary slightly with time. If you are a student make sure to bring your ID.
4. Baby Taj Mahal
Also known as the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, is a lesser known gem tucked away in the city of Agra. We were actually the only ones in this beautiful location.
Prices go around 100 rupees for locals and 500-600 rupees for foreign tourists.
5. Lookout of Taj Mahal from the river
If you cross the river you will arrive to a beautiful park where you will find one of the most amazing views of the palace.
There is a free entrance if you surround it but you will have to pay if you want to enter in the actual park.
6. Day Trip to the villages
During our visit to Agra we went on a day trip to a village near Agra, where we met different families that invited us into their homes and even teach us how to make chapati and then ate it together.
As part of the trip you will also visit a local school where we met all the kids and their teachers.
7. Christian Tomb in Agra
Where to eat in Agra
– Traditional dinner at Ekaa
During our stay we had dinner and ordered the famous Thali.
Thali food is a traditional indian meal served on a single platter, with a variety of dishes such as rice, bread, dal (lentils), vegetables, pickles, chutneys and some dessert. Usually vegetarian but you can request a vegan option too.
– Shankara Vegis Restaurant
Diverse vegetarian menu, the owner is very aware of veganism and options are labeled. Be aware in North India most of the meals won’t be vegan as they will include ghee (a type of butter).
– Udupi Brindavan Vegetarian Restaurant
Located in north Agra, mostly vegetarian options but they can all be done vegan if you ask for no ghee.
– Drunken Monkeys
Perfect for breakfast and brunch, you will find smoothie bowls, juices and sandwiches.
– Sheroes cafes
Also features vegan options, although we didn’t have enough time to try it.
Don’t miss our India Travel Guides: Delhi and Jaipur
